NEWS

Eternity is not your average romantic comedy. It adds an interesting complexity to the question of where one will spend eternity after they die. And with whom one will spend it with.

The movie follows a newly dead woman (Joan) as she must decide about her eternity – where and with whom she will share it with. She has to choose between her recently dead husband of over half a century and her long dead husband of only two years. Though a simple idea on the surface, the story of Eternity quickly becomes more than a simple love triangle plot.

The primary setting of Eternity is The Junction, a purgatory-esque part of the afterlife where souls are sent to choose their desired long-term afterlife. Though the idea of the afterlife typically lends itself to very abstract visuals, The Junction is a surprisingly simplistic, old-fashioned environment. Most of The Junction is a cross between a train station and a hotel. However, this stylistic choice works surprisingly well for the film. Much of The Junction is dedicated to the staff trying to sell the various eternities/afterlives to the recently departed. The heaviness of this decision is lightened by the supporting cast, especially the characters of Anna and Ryan. Delightfully portrayed by Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early, Anna and Ryan guide souls to their final destinations with great comedic timing.

Callum Turner and Miles Teller play the rival husbands well, balancing the tension and humor of the situation. As their wife Joan, Elizabeth Olsen stands out. She easily portrays both the elation and stress of a woman reuniting with her two husbands and being forced to choose between them. Owning every scene she’s in, Olsen easily manages to take charge of every conversation with a commanding presence, and conveys her struggle in a way that draws the audience in. What will she decide? What would the audience decide?

Though a simple premise, Eternity tackles heavy themes with both humor and thoughtfulness. However, such topics may not be for everyone. Overall, Eternity is a solid film. Combining interesting visuals with compelling performances, Eternity becomes a fine addition to the Romantic Comedy genre. 7/10